Whirling dervishes perform Sema ritual - in pictures

  • Whirling dervishes perform a Sema ritual at Galata Mevlevi Lodge in Istanbul, Turkey. All photos: Reuters
    Whirling dervishes perform a Sema ritual at Galata Mevlevi Lodge in Istanbul, Turkey. All photos: Reuters
  • The dance was performed during one of many ceremonies to mark the 749th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
    The dance was performed during one of many ceremonies to mark the 749th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
  • Rumi was an Anatolian mystic, poet and the father of the Mevlevi order.
    Rumi was an Anatolian mystic, poet and the father of the Mevlevi order.
  • Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Rumi.
    Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Rumi.
  • Dancers wear long white robes with full skirts.
    Dancers wear long white robes with full skirts.
  • Dancers also wear tall conical felt hats called sikke, ranging from brown to gray to black depending on their sect.
    Dancers also wear tall conical felt hats called sikke, ranging from brown to gray to black depending on their sect.
  • Dancers initially wear long dark cloaks over their white robes, which are cast off when the dancer is assumed to be without fault.
    Dancers initially wear long dark cloaks over their white robes, which are cast off when the dancer is assumed to be without fault.